Here I am. Send Me.

Scripture

"Then I heard the Lord asking, "Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?" I said, "Here I am. Send me." (Isaiah 6:8)

Observation

This is one of my life verses. It's inspiring. Almost in like a "Braveheart" sort of way. The God of the universe is looking for someone to represent Him on a mission to a people. And this Isaiah steps forward and volunteers himself to go and be sent.

God's love is so amazing, almost incomprehensible to me, as He is all-knowing and all-powerful, yet He asks us, He ASKS us, if we are willing to partner with Him. He could so easily just make it happen without our involvement, clean and simple, with none of the drama that surrounds us humans. Instead, He chooses to give us free will, allowing us to have a choice.

Why does He do that? I guess our love for Him means so much more when we choose to give it, rather than Him demand it. And I also love Isaiah's answer to God's question. "Here I am. Send me." I don't count the sacrifice or the consequence. I might not know exactly how I'll do it or what my future holds, but I know who holds my future. He's like the soldier who steps forward to volunteer for the impossible mission. God is looking for those willing to serve Him and take His message of love, salvation and hope to this world. What will our answer be? What is your answer?

Application

I must continually offer my heart to God, this is a daily sacrifice. This is a constant reminder of who I serve, not man, not money, not the world, but Jesus Christ. Am I willing to step out in faith and accept the mission that God has planned for me? Sometimes, He wants our sacrifice, but sometimes all He wants is a willing heart. I want to be able to say, with no hesitation, "Here I am. Send me."

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
I give You my heart and my soul. I know that Your plans for me are greater than my own. I want to have an unshakable faith and hear Your voice, so that I may follow Your direction for my life. Thank You for all the wonderful blessings You give to me and my family.
In Jesus name,
Amen

How can I inspire?

Scripture

"This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" - and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:15-16)

Observation

I wonder if I ever give others new energy just by being near me. I wonder if through my testimony, or my service, or my words, if I ever inspire others to pick up the pace or finish the race.

Of course I should! We are God's examples on earth of His great patience and power and so I must be an encouragement and an inspiration to those around me that God is their answer.

Application

What do I need to do in order to inspire people to give their lives to follow Jesus?

I need to show people God's love and grace through my attitude, my words, my family, my life, my choices, my behavior and my priorities. I must have strength and courage to live under God's will and not man's. That means I need not fear what other people think of me. I need to have a faith that is firm enough in God's work in me to withstand the pressure of trying to measure up to anyone other than Jesus. I must shine the light of Jesus through who I am and what I do so that others "...will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life."

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
May I help to draw others closer to You. May I be an example that gives hope. It is only by Your love and grace toward me, that I even have a chance of loving others.
In Jesus name,
Amen

I Need Truth

SCRIPTURE
"The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, "There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah. The king should not say that," Jehoshaphat replied. (1 Kings 22:8)

OBSERVATION
King Ahab of Israel entered a grim future because he did not have the courage to interrogate truth in his life. Ahab surrounded himself with people that only told him what he wanted to hear, and marginalized everyone who had the courage enough to speak the truth. This is a very dangerous habit to develop that can cost us and others life it self. We see churches and church leader's do this where they surround themselves with people who look like them, act like them and comply to them. Like King Ahab of Israel we can imprison the truth and live a lie. Ahab even tried to cheat death, and control his life with a wardrobe change, but to no avail truth is truth. You and I need truth in our lives.

APPLICATION
I guess this is why the scripture proclaims that the "Truth shall set me free". I wonder how many of us, including myself, are afraid of the truth? Ahab hated the truth because it pointed out his selfish, unrighteous, and false lifestyle. Truth reveals sin. I use to hate it when I would get busted for something I did or failed to do. Without truth in our lives, we will not grow in the areas that need transformation. Without someone revealing truth to us, we will developed poor character and weak integrity. There is a switch that I must make from despising truth to loving it if I truly value growth. There is a dangerous set of words that I must never say that Jehoshaphat spoke to Ahab, which was "Never say you hate truth". Don't even think it, I must always allow truth to investigate my life. Jesus said "I am the way, the TRUTH and the life."

PRAYER
Dear Lord,
Thank you for loving me enough to reveal truth to me...with love and grace. Forgive me for where I have ignored Your truth in my life. I chose life today that I may live! Amen

My heart is devoted to what?

SCRIPTURE
His heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD...(11 Chronicles 17:6)

OBSERVATION
Here's some background. 3The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because in his early years he walked in the ways his father David had followed. He did not consult the Baals 4 but sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel. 5 The LORD established the kingdom under his control; and all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so that he had great wealth and honor.
Because Jehoshaphat's heart was devoted to the ways of God, he found favor with God as well as his enemies. God elevated him as a leader. Blessed him. Jehoshaphat could have easily caved. He could have gone with the flow and devoted his heart to something else...but he didn't and God blessed him.

APPLICATION
I hope what was said about Jehoshaphat can be said of me...that people notice that my heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord. What's my barrier to this? I've got to be free from the fear of man. I need to care more about how God sees me than how people see me. When I care more about God's approval (which He has already given me through Jesus) than man's approval, then I will be free to have a heart that's totally devoted to the ways of Jesus.

PRAYER
God, give me the courage to be free from the fear of man so my heart can be fully devoted to You and Your ways. In Jesus name, Amen.

Wavering

SCRIPTURE
Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." But the people said nothing. 1 Kings 18:21

OBSERVATION
This is an incredible epic showdown between the prophets of some false gods and the Prophet of THE one true God-the creator of the universe. The scene builds with anticipation as Elijah challenges the prophets of the false gods to a sort of competition. Whichever god could bring fire down from the sky onto the sacrifices was the true God. Before any of the action took place, Elijah posed this question to the people. "How long will you waver between two opinions?" That's an important question for us to consider. How long will we waver before we make a decision about who or what we will follow in life? Are we going to follow money? sex? pleasure? pride? popularity? power? comfort? OR are we going to finally realize that none of that ever really satisfies. None of that really saves us from anything. They are temporary fixes to permanent a problem: we are lost without God's rescue plan in Jesus.

APPLICATION
Everyday, I have that same choice to make. Who will I follow? If I choose to follow Jesus today, then it should be evident in the words I use...in the way I behave...in the way I treat others...in the way I give, celebrate, live, and love. I choose Jesus.

PRAYER
Lord, I thank you for giving me life. I thank you for surrounding me with your love and grace. I pray that You choose to use me as Your servant today. In Jesus name, Amen.

Amazed at His Teaching

SCRIPTURE

"When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law." (Matthew 7:28-29)

OBSERVATION

During the ancient times, the people were used to hearing the tiresome teaching from the scribes and Pharisees who were simply reflecting on the Law. They repeated the law and challenged everything outside the law. The key here was to present the Law in such a way that it would profit the people and move in their soul. Well only the Holy Spirit can do that! That is why, when the Bible says that Jesus taught with one who had authority, God sent Jesus and the Holy Spirit was in every word He delivered. It's no wonder the Pharisees were offended, the teaching of Jesus was obviously piercing the hearts of the people unlike the law could ever do. It's also something the scribes and Pharisees were unable to do - probably because they were so full of themselves.

APPLICATION

The authority that the Bible talks about comes from God sending Jesus to speak through simple people like us to anyone that will listen. We now carry the message of a relationship with a person...who came to fulfill the law on our behalf. I can have all the illustrations, analogies and great stories to share with people, but only the Word of God along with the Holy Spirit will pierce their hearts.

PRAYER

Lord I pray that whatever I teach or preach, that I say all that You wanted me to say, In Jesus Name. Amen.

Have Courage

SCRIPTURE
"Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, a spear and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you." (1 Samuel 17:45-46)

OBSERVATION
You have to love David's attitude. He has courage in the face of a huge obstacle who opposes him. He was young, standing before this giant of a man. His five stones paled in comparison to Goliath's spear, javelin and sword. But, although Goliath's stature dwarfed David, it was the size of David's heart that brought down the giant.

What prompted such confidence in this young man against the most feared force facing the Israeli army?

* Past victories (history) - He knew from past encounters with danger, against the lion and the bear, that God would give him victory in the present. He had smelled the scent of danger and enjoyed the sweet taste of victory and, therefore, trusted God to the very end;
* He had nothing to lose - He was just a young man and stood as the "underdog" in this battle; why not give it his best shot;
* He knew he was pursuing God's best - Nothing breeds confidence more than this, to know that whatever the outcome, God would be glorified and honored, and He would be pleased with your efforts.

Under these factors, how could David sit back and allow Goliath to defeat God's plans; how could he not run forward to face the challenge head on?

APPLICATION
I need to cultivate this "go for broke" attitude within me. Like many, there is a tendency we all have to hesitate when confronted by challenges that may tower over us as Goliath did against the Israeli army. But, just as God had been with David in the past, so has He been with me. There have been many challenges that seemed unconquerable, but God came through. There have been times when maintaining the status quo seemed more logical than running to the battle lines. But, if God can be trusted to work in the present as He's done in the past, if I'm pursuing God's best, then what should there be to fear? Just as David stepped forward, so must I be willing to face the battle head on, and trust God for the rest.

PRAYER
Father, thank you for the infusion of confidence You breathe in me through the story of David. There are Goliath's that I must face, but I know You will never leave me, nor forsake me. And with that, I can confidently move forward to pursue Your best.

Grain Offering (part 1)

SCRIPTURE
" 'When someone brings a grain offering to the LORD, his offering is to be of fine flour. He is to pour oil on it, put incense on it and take it to Aaron's sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the fine flour and oil, together with all the incense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. (Leviticus 2:1-2)

OBSERVATION
Let's face it. Leviticus 2 is difficult to wade through if your looking on the surface for something that's relevant to my life today. But, if you're willing to dig kind of deep into the soil, there's treasure to be discovered. The Grain Offering (the Hebrew word is 'Minchah', which means: a gift, tribute, offering) comes from a tradition of giving a gift to a king who just conquered your village/town/city/people as a way of saying: "I am now under your authority. I submit to you." This kind of offering "Minchah" (check out Judges 3:17 and while you are there...read the whole story of Ehud) was used often as way sign of submission. If you were conquered by the king, you would not want the king to give you trouble...so you submit. The Grain/Minchah offering was a symbolic way of communicating your willingness to comply.
So one of the ideas behind the Grain/Minchah Offering is you are coming to God and saying: "God, I acknowledge that You are God and I am not. You have conquered me (my heart/life) and I am now in submission to You."

APPLICATION
Unlike the cruel kings who conquered tribes, people and land through brute force, our King (Jesus) conquers through losing, self-sacrifice, love and grace. Jesus is has a Kingdom and everyone it is only as big as those who's hearts and lives are willing to submit to His will. "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven."
And this is a daily journey of submission to my King. The Grain offering communicates that I am aware that there is a King and I am not the King. How do I, today, pay tribute to my King Jesus? Romans 12:1 tells me I am to be a living sacrifice...following the example of my King. I am to worship Him. Serve Him by serving others. Love Him by loving others. Listen to Him through prayer and study of Scripture. Allow His character to produce good fruit in me.

PRAYER
God, I submit my will to Your will in my life. I want to live my life as a living sacrifice holy and pleasing to You. Thank you for forgiving me for the many times I've forced my will over Your will. My way over Your way. Thank You for a fresh start today. I am wholly Yours.
In Jesus name, Amen.

Me & The Priest

SCRIPTURE
He is to slaughter the young bull before the LORD, and then Aaron's sons the priests shall bring the blood and sprinkle it against the altar on all sides at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. He is to skin the burnt offering and cut it into pieces. (Leviticus 1:5-6)

OBSERVATION
Life is in the blood. All the life had to be taken out of the bull, goat, lamb or bird in order for there to be death. And sin can only be atoned for with a death.
This is costly and messy. Again, the "He" in these verses are the regular person who realizes that sin separates him from God. He had to pay for, bring and slaughter the animal himself. There's no way blood and guts would not have gotten on his clothes.
God wanted us to see, first hand, what our sin costs. That way we could not deny the seriousness and consequences.

APPLICATION
This is why observing/celebrating communion in the community of my church, is so significant to me/us. None of us grew up with the regular reminder of animal burnt offering sacrifices built into our life. So communion is our way of remembering the once and for all sacrifice made by Jesus - God's only Son on my/our behalf. I look forward to communion this Sunday with my sisters and brothers @ Radiant Life Fellowship.

PRAYER
Father, this week has had some messy parts to it. I appreciate the confidence I have in my identity in You. Without that, I am nothing. My only significance is found in You and Your loving sacrifice on my behalf. I am eternally transformed and grateful.

Lean on the Lamb

SCRIPTURE
He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him. (Leviticus 1:4)

OBSERVATION
The "He" in this verse is the regular person bringing his voluntary burnt offering (live) sin offering for sacrifice at the tent of meeting. I always had this idea in my mind that the Priest did all the slaughtering of sacrificial animals and the people just were observers. Apparently, the role of the Priests were to assist. This was an all-in investment on the part of the worshiper. Approaching God cost the worshiper something precious. They got blood all over them. It was messy, smelly and it set the stage for a Once and For All Sacrifice found in Jesus.

I also noticed the part of "lay his hands on the head of..." The Hebrew word for that also means to "lean into" the lamb. That's rich. How often do I "lean into the Lamb - Jesus" and trust that He has totally and completely covered all my sins?

APPLICATION
I know the book of Leviticus is so foreign to us today. We don't practice those rituals or even totally understand the context. But I begin to recognize my casual approach to worship and to my relationship with God standing in stark contrast to what I read about in Leviticus. This is serious. Sin brings death. It cost. The payment is steep. I'm challenged in how serious I take the relationship with God and His church that I have. I admit I've been too casual.

PRAYER
God, reading Leviticus 1 has opened my eyes in a lot of ways. I am thankful that You made a way to approach You. I'm also thankful that I can still lean on You in complete dependence and gratitude. Because of Jesus, Amen

Remembering

SCRIPTURE
"Remember today that your children were not the ones who saw and experienced the discipline of the LORD your God: his majesty, his mighty hand, his outstretched arm;" (Deuteronomy 11:2)

"Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (Deuteronomy 11:19)

OBSERVATION
The Book of Deuteronomy often mentions to us to Remember and the Teach our Children. Remember. Throughout life there will be good times that we would like to remember and tough times that we would just as well forget. But what the scripture is speaking of is to remember God's grace, faithfulness, holiness and His warnings. As the Israelites prepare to move into a new season, into the promise land, I feel like God is saying to all of us, to remember and not take for granted His Faithfulness and His Blessings along the way. It's in the tough times (especially) when we need to remember that our God has been faithful and is faithful to provide. That is why God also says to teach our children, grandchildren and their children - less we forget.

APPLICATION
To the world outside of the USA, we're known as the land of excess. And it's not just the CEO's of big banks or auto manufactures. It's not just the excessively high paid actors or pro athletes. It's me and you, too. We struggle to find a line between what we need and what we want. We're impulse shoppers. We've been taught that we can never have to much and we need to keep up with the "Jones'" We live in a land of excess.

The Book of Deuteronomy is a book that God tells us to remember as we step into a new season - A New Day. This is a new day we are living in. A new economic reality.

"Remember the days of old. Consider the years of all generations. Ask your father, and he will inform you. Your elders, and they will tell you. (Deuteronomy 32:7)

Today's reading teaches me to be a good steward of what You, Lord, have blessed me with and not take for granted the little things in life. Remember.

PRAYER
Lord I pray that every morning as I start a new day - Thank You for directing my steps and for Your Favor and may I not take for granted Your Blessings today. Help me to remember Your faithfulness by reflecting on these, Your stories from Scripture. I want to pass them on to my children. In Jesus name, Amen.

Like a Child

SCRIPTURE
I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. Mark 10:15

OBSERVATION
The Kingdom of God is what Jesus came to demonstrate for us and invite us join as active members. In this one sentence, Jesus gives us a picture of how we are to receive/enter the Kingdom of God...as a little child. So why a little child? Here are some of my initial thoughts:
1) Little children live in the "now". They are fully present in this moment. My 4 year old (Jake) is not worried about tomorrow.
2) Little children forgive. My young kids get irritated with each other, but they are able to forgive and move on. They don't hold on to a grudge and become bitter.
3) They're free. They aren't weighed down with worry about what everyone is thinking. They are free to be everything God created them to be.
4) They are dependent. Little children rely on others (their parents) for everything.
5) Little children trust and believe with ease. Us adults have become so jaded...we struggle to trust anyone or anything. We are cynical.

APPLICATION
So if I am going to enter the Kingdom of God, I need those same characteristics in my life.

PRAYER
Lord, I admit that I am cynical, distrusting, codependent, unforgiving and worried. I need You to help me become like a little child. I want to be an active member of Your Kingdom. Please continue Your transformational work in my life. I am Yours. In Jesus name, Amen.

95% obedience is 5% short

SCRIPTURE
"Moses and Aaron went from the assembly to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and fell facedown, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them. The LORD said to Moses, "Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink." So Moses took the staff from the LORD's presence, just as he commanded him. He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them." (Numbers 20:6-12)

OBSERVATION
In the world, it's often seen as a good thing to be individualistic and rebellious in our actions, thoughts and life. Moses learned (the hard way) a critical lesson. Even in the little things, obedience to God matters. It seems Moses had an attitude against the complaining Israelites. God was clear with His instruction (which He always is), and Moses did 95% of what God had commanded. But 95% obedience is still 5% short...and we call that disobedience. God answered Moses and directed him to take his staff and speak to the rock to pour forth water. God was faithful in causing the water to pour forth, however, Moses paid the price of not being God's chosen leader to lead the Israelites into the promise land. Disobedience is expensive.

APPLICATION
How often do I do things my own way? How often do I only put 95% into my obedience of God? And closely tied to that disobedience, I'm wondering which challenges and obstacles in my life are connected to my disobedience? It is so easy to let external matters with people, situations and my own selfishness cause me to do things my way, often regretting my actions and words. When reading the scripture the first time, I missed the fact that God said, "speak" and Moses instead "struck" the rock, using excessive force. Am I at times excessive in my ways because of external influences, people and situations, or do I use the appropriate approach and attitude? God is speaking to me through these scriptures to be careful to listen to His still voice and to be discerning so that I am living and acting by His will prompted by the Holy Spirit rather then my selfish quick-to-react ways. Especially as a leader, I need to know how my words and actions can influence people.

PRAYER
Dear Lord, may I be a man after your heart that is 100% obedient, following your direction in spite of my self-centered character. Guide my mind, heart, speech and actions to follow You in all Your ways. Search me and know my heart. Thank You for Your grace for the times I am disobedient. I want to honor You in all I say and do.

Redefining Family

SCRIPTURE
Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you." "Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked.Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother." (Mark 3:31-35)

OBSERVATION
I notice, in this scene, that Jesus redefines His family makeup. He broadens the definition of His family from blood by birth to those who "follow" Him. Those who have been adopted, if you will, into the family of God, because of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. That's where the saying "You are my brother/sister from another mother" comes. Once I became a follower of Jesus, I was adopted into that same family. My family expanded.

APPLICATION
I know a lot of people who grew up in very dysfunctional families. They still are deeply affected and influenced by those same messed up families. Some of those friends of mine are Jesus followers. They are now apart of a much more healthy family that loves, forgives and serves each other. This new family is characterized by joy, generosity, patience, grace, hope and peace. When your own flesh and blood family turns on you, hurts you, abandons you...start a new family. Join the family of God. Not that the family of God is filled with perfect people...just people who've experienced grace and love and therefore able to offer grace and love.

PRAYER
Father, I am grateful to be a vital member of Your family. I am grateful for my brothers and sisters. I ask that You embed a healthy family dynamic into the fabric of our church. A grace-filled, joy-filled, loving dynamic that's contagious and captivating. In Jesus name, amen.

Boldly and Without Hindrance

SCRIPTURE
For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 28:20-21)

OBSERVATION
The book of Acts ends with Paul hangin out in a rented house...inviting people to come visit with him there. Paul BOLDLY and WITHOUT HINDRANCE he preached the Kingdom of God and taught about Jesus.

APPLICATION
Paul sets a good example for us today. We ought to open our homes more often. Invite people over. I want to be BOLD, like Paul. I want to share Jesus without Hindrance. I know I get lots of opportunities...I don't take them all, though...because I'm not always bold like I want to be.

PRAYER
God. Help me to be bold. To share the pearl I have found in You...boldly.

Priestly Blessing

SCRIPTURE
The LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: " ' "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." ' (Numbers 6:22-26)

OBSERVATION
Aaron and his sons were the first of the priestly line among the Israelite people. God was instructing them as to how to offer a blessing to His people. Later, in the New Testament, we are all called to be priests to each other. So, in essence, we all ought to be offering some sort of similar blessing to each other. Do the people in my family know I want to bless them? What about the people in my church. What about my co-workers? What about my neighbors? How will they know?

APPLICATION
"Say to them..."
I need to use my words and my actions to make sure I am taking opportunities to bless those around me. I am called to be a priest...and so are you.

PRAYER
God, may You bless and keep my family and neighbors. May You shine Your face on them and show Your graciousness to them. May You, God, turn Your face toward them and give them peace/shalom. In Jesus name, Amen

I am the Lord Your God, who...

SCRIPTURE
I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high. (Leviticus 26:13)

OBSERVATION
This comes as a regular phrase from the Lord to His people to always remind them of where they came from and who rescued them. At one time, God's people were slaves. God heard their caries and rescued them and gave them life and dignity and freedom.

APPLICATION
I need regular reminders of where I've come from. I am free only because Jesus offered me freedom through His sacrifice. I am no longer in bondage to my sin and guilt. God has given me life. Now I have the chance to partner with God in offering God's freedom and life to others who are still in slaved to sin and guilt and destructive patterns.

PRAYER
Lord, I thank you for rescuing me. Never let me forget how much my sin cost You. Help me to bring life and grace and renewal to those who are still caught in slavery to destructive patterns. In Jesus name, Amen

Jesus I know. Paul I know...but who are you?

SCRIPTURE
Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out." 14Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15(One day) the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" 16Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. (Acts 19:13-16)

OBSERVATION
What a freaky story. Paul and some other Jesus followers were in a place called Ephesus telling people about Jesus. They stayed in one town for 2 years telling everyone about Jesus and His birth, life, teaching, death and resurrection until everyone in the region heard and has a chance to respond. During that time, God did extraordinary miracles through Paul. People were even taking pieces of cloth that touched Paul and healing the sick with it.

This is where the story gets freaky. Some people authentically become Jesus lovers and Jesus followers. Others get caught up in "what Jesus can do for me" syndrome. Their more connected to the miracles than to the miracle maker - Jesus. They are more in love with what Jesus can do, that with Jesus.

These people get a rude wake-up-call. And it's demons who end up calling their bluff.

APPLICATION
If I were faced with this same scenario, I would hope that even the demons know who I am because of who I love and live my life for - Jesus.

PRAYER
Jesus, I want to know You more.

The Scapegoat

SCRIPTURE
"He is to cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat. Aaron shall bring the goat whose lot falls to the LORD and sacrifice it for a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to be used for making atonement by sending it into the desert as a scapegoat." (Leviticus 16:8-10)

OBSERVATION
We all have them, don't we - "scapegoats" that we allow to run wild in our pastures. While the sacrificing of goats may be a thing of the past (thank goodness - I'm sure the goats and sheep are happy about that), "scapegoats" are alive and well in today's world, aren't they? They respond to a variety of names: "Not Me;" "It's not my fault;" "They;" "I don't know." We'll even give 'them' the devil's name claiming "the devil made me do it."

Our scapegoats may resemble our parents who we claim as the source of "generational sins" that have shaped us to be who we are today. Scapegoats have even taken the shape of our co-workers and our boss for our failures in the workplace, or our spouse and kids for our failures in home. But, the funny thing is that whenever our 'scapegoats' are present, they tend to hide, cloud and obscure the real reason for failures - ourselves.

We play the blame game with our scapegoats and never realize the responsibility we carry for our own shortfalls. We point our finger away from ourselves and directly at others or at the pace of life, but fail to see our own three other fingers pointing straight back at us.

APPLICATION
Responsibility can't be pinned to a scapegoat if I am ever to succeed in life - with my family, as a husband and father, and even with my ministry call. Will I fail? Absolutely; we all fall short. But, will I be mature enough, will I have the level of integrity and degree of character to take responsibility for my failures, rather than toss my ring in the blame game? Will I learn the lessons that I must learn through my mistakes, even if it means accepting the consequences and discipline that flow from it? Prov. 24:16 reminds me that "a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again." How am I to gain righteousness, to understand what it means to stand righteously before my God? I must be willing pick myself up off the ground when I fall; to avoid playing the blame game, to rid my life of scapegoats, and to accept responsibility for my actions. My application is for me to take responsibility for what I own in the problem.

PRAYER
Father, it's always easier to stick blame on others, than to accept full responsibilities for my own shortfalls. But, like the righteous man in Proverbs, may I never quit getting up, even after I fall and so that I might learn the lessons through my failures and be better because of it.

Adding more Jesus Followers

SCRIPTURE
The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family. (Acts 16:34)

OBSERVATION
This is kind of a humorous story. It might not have been too funny for Paul and his cohorts at the time. Apparently when they came into a certain town, a possessed woman who made lots of money for her owner started following Paul and his peeps around town shouting;

17"...These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." 18She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her. 19When the owners of the slave girl realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities."

So Paul and his cohorts end up in prison after being stripped and beaten by the authorities. They end up using this as an opportunity to share the love and peace of Jesus with the other prisoners as well as the prison guard. The guard was compelled to become a Jesus follower. He and his whole family.

APPLICATION
How do I reflect Jesus in difficult circumstances? Would my behavior, attitude, life reflect Jesus in such a way that would compel someone to become a Jesus follower? I need to be aware of the opportunities (big and small) God is giving me to share Jesus with others and invite them to become Jesus followers.

PRAYER
God, I realize how much I depend on You. In and of myself, I am not anything. There is nothing in me (without You) that would compel anyone to follow You. You are what makes me attractive. I want You to shine through more than I have allowed You to in the past. Thank You for cleaning me up. I now want to be used by You to bring joy where there is no joy. peace where there is no peace. love where there is no love. In Jesus name, Amen.

God Wants My Heart

SCRIPTURE
"All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the Lord. They brought all the materials needed for the Tabernacle, for the performance of its rituals, and for the sacred garments." (Exodus 35:21)

OBSERVATION
It seems to me, in this verse, that God is more interested in our hearts than He is in our offerings. If I give my offering to God out of some cold ritual, and my heart is not in it...then I might as well keep my money. God wants my heart. It's like if I buy flowers for my wife, Jenny, and then tell her that I felt like I did it because I was supposed to as her husband. It was my duty. That kind of approach kind of has a way of killing the moment. Something huge gets lost. My heart love for her. It's the same with our God. He wants our heart to be fully captivated by Him alone.

APPLICATION
God doesn't want my money, fortune, or materials that I give because He already owns it all. God wants my heart. With out our hearts our gifts we give won't be worth much. When we serve God with all our hearts God calls it sacred, and delights to be among His children with this kind of heart. I never want to fall into thinking that God is here to serve me, or the church is here to serve me, or people owe me something. I want to remain a JOYFUL giver.

PRAYER
Father, My heart is Yours, and only Yours. Thank you for the heart check this morning. I realize there may be times when I don't feel You, or see you as the children of Israel experienced. This is never a license to find security in my self, others, or temporal things. I serve You alone, I yearn for Your presence, that is all that matters! Amen!

The Courage of Philip

SCRIPTURE
"Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city." (Acts 8:5-8)

OBSERVATION
Here's what's happening in the story of the 1st Christians and the birth of the church. Persecution towards the Christians broke out following the stoning of Stephen. Followers of Jesus were being taken from their homes, thrown in prison, beaten. Saul's intent...destroy the church. But there were those like Philip, who wouldn't cave in to the surroundings of trouble and the possibilities of death. Christians were scattered - yet they preached the Word everywhere. They were bold, courageous, and persistent.

You can take the Christian out of their ‘church" (home or building), but you can't take the church out of their hearts! The church (not the self-serving institution we often run into) is known to be who we are as carriers of Jesus, filled with His Spirit.

APPLICATION
Beneath the surface of my heart is a longing to be used as a servant of Jesus to perform miracles. To do something huge for God's Kingdom. But would I be willing to count the cost and pay the price - whatever that means? I don't know what that would mean but I'm willing to be used. If it meant persecution, sleepless nights, the pressures that would come with being used in such a way: the prayer life, fasting, study and being a man of the Word...getting rid of my pride or self-centeredness... would I be willing???

I like how the verse ended with "so there was great joy in the city". When God uses regular people like you and me to carry and bring His peace, reconciliation, justice, grace, forgiveness, restoration and love to our world... JOY will come to this city.

PRAYER
God, I want to have Philip's courage, determination, focus and clarity. Will you consider blessing me with those characteristics and use me to build Your Kingdom.

Raising Up New Leaders

SCRIPTURE
"So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, "We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word." (Acts 5:2-4)

OBSERVATION
We catch the story where the apostles (the disciples who spent the most time with Jesus) are in the midst of a rapidly growing group of believers. It must have been an incredible experience to celebrate! But along the way, some complaints arose. They always do. People had needs to be met and there were some ministry tasks to attend to. Important tasks. Time consuming tasks. Good problems to have. The challenge was that these problems needed solutions and actions.

The apostles wisely decided to delegate these important responsibilities to potential leaders within the church. This is an aspect of the early church that we have to keep as a priority – identify and train up new leaders. In the book 7 Practices of Effective Ministry, we read that our leaders are also to be replacing themselves with new leaders. We need to intentionally look for well respected and Spirit-filled men and women who will lead ministries. As the Church grows, it will take more than just a handful to provide for those coming to Christ, we need an army of people led by tons of great leaders.

But once we've identified new leaders we have to stay close enough to them to teach and train and far enough away to allow them to grow. Finding the right distance is definitely tricky! Good leaders need space to spread their wings and fly, but from time to time they need support and guidance from someone experienced. Sometimes they need to be forced to make decisions and lead others and other times they need nurturing and care. But after walking thoughtfully through the minefield of raising up a new leader, God's Kingdom is strengthened.

The last observation I noticed was the reason why the apostles just didn't solve the challenge themselves. Why didn't they just serve the widows the food. Seems like a reasonably good way to spend their time and resources, right? On the surface it does. But dig a little deeper and we discover that the Apostles (only 12 in number) were commissioned with another important task: "teaching the Word of God". This gives us clarity in how we are to approach church. We need the teaching of the Word of God as well as serving the needs of others. One without the other makes for a weak Gospel.

APPLICATION
I need to create an environment where both the teaching of the Word of God is a top priority (nurture teachers) and developing leaders/ministers to serve the needy is also a top priority. I need to make sure we, as a church, are clear about this. I need to nurture and support young leaders by teaching and providing opportunities to lead and I need to give space for them to fly while being available to help when necessary.

PRAYER
Father, Give me wisdom and discernment to lead Your people well. Help me to raise up a new generation of leaders who will represent You well. In Jesus name, Amen

We will Obey

SCRIPTURE
"Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, "We will do everything the LORD has said; we will obey." (Exodus 24:7)

OBSERVATION
The commandments were in the hands of Moses who was instructed to give them God's people.
Leadership requires a strength to obey God. As leaders we have to resist the temptation to please or offend others, when a message must be spoken. When direction is needed for straying people, misguided convictions or attitudes, a leader must step in to represent the truth of God's commandments. A leader often has to point to truth north...even when it might hurt or be more difficult than just going in the current direction we're headed.

APPLICATION
As a leader, I've been faced situations where I needed to speak truth into someone's life - at the expense of possibly hurting their feelings if they took things the wrong way. As a leader is a church, speaking truth into someone's life (when it's painful or it's about accountability) can come with a huge price. The person on the other end of the conversation can choose to leave the church. I always hope that people would respond with great, willing, humble hearts. But the reality is that we, the people, don't like to be told what to do, how to do it and TO DO IT!
Today, I want my heart's response to God to always be - "yes Lord, I will do everything you ask of me - I will listen and obey."

PRAYER
Yes, Father! I choose You, Your ways, Your instructions and commands. I will obey You!

Intentional Living

SCRIPTURE
"These are the laws you are to set before them..." (Exodus 21:1)

OBSERVATION
It was a brief and short introduction to a litany of laws to follow. Laws which listed everything from treatment of slaves to personal injuries, laws that concerned oxen and donkeys to immoralities and offerings. Laws, laws and more laws that would set any person's mind on information overload when reading it for the first time.

But, there was a greater reason why the Lord outlined these laws to the people. It was at a critical juncture in their journey. Remember, it could be over 2 million people who had just left the land of Egypt and had broken free from the hand of Pharaoh. Not only did they leave Egypt, however; they were leaving one of the most civilized societies of the world at that time. From a land of law and order, the Israelites could easily slip into a nation of chaos and confusion. And God knew they needed to have certain parameters and boundaries established if they were to truly live free, as was His plan for their future.

His laws weren't only about personal injuries, oxen and donkey. In essence each law spelled out an action and a consequence. To bring order to this new society, the people needed to understand that for every action there would be a direct and immediate consequence. Without such laws, chaos would naturally result, as it was further revealed in the people's rebellious creation of the "golden calf."

APPLICATION
It's a lesson I need to take to heart today, as well. Life isn't a game of chance, but a series of consequences that follow the actions that I decide to take. Whether in my thoughts, decisions, even in my interaction with others, there will be a direct and immediate consequence for everything that I do or choose to engage in. If there weren't any, life would be purposeless and without order. The question, then, what is the intended consequence that I wish to experience, then rewind the tape and take a look at my actions to see whether it aligns consistently with the intended result. For example, if I wish to see my marriage flourish, or my children growing up with a memorable childhood experience with dad, what am I doing today that will produce this consequence in my life? Sometimes we don't take the time to consider the consequences first, and end up living reactionary and inconsequential lives. I guess I'm talking about living with intention.
PRAYER
Lord, as I look at a brand new day, help me to live my life according to Your truths, understanding the consequences for every action that I take. May I live more intentional with You and for You in all that I do.

Like Barnabas

SCRIPTURE
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. 36Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), 37sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet. (Acts 4:32-37)

OBSERVATION
This seems to be a picture of the early church in action. As a result of the resurrection of Jesus, the Jesus followers made sure that the needy people among them had help.

APPLICATION
Maybe we ought to reclaim this WAY of living in our day. Yesterday was Noah's 9th birthday. He wanted to end his day at Urban Restoration to put food in grocery bags and hand them out to the needy in Charlotte. We handed out 138 bags of groceries and we were able to tell/show lots of people that Jesus loves them and so do we. Thank you, Noah, for sharing your day like that.

PRAYER
Lord, I am humbled by my own son (who was a little like Barnabas yesterday) who gave something he had (his birthday) to help others.

Leaders develop leaders who develop more leaders

SCRIPTURE
13 The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. 14 When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, "What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?"
15 Moses answered him, "Because the people come to me to seek God's will. 16 Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God's decrees and laws."
17 Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. 19 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people's representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied." (Exodus 18:13-22)

OBSERVATION
Leadership. Part of what Jethro was showing Moses was how to be a leader. One leader cannot do it all. God never intended us leaders to carry everything by ourselves. Leadership can be lonely. But if we don't invest ourselves in training others to step forward and lead, we will only cripple our own leadership potential and injure lots of people who we will disappoint because we're too busy or we've burnt out under all the pressure. Leaders develop leaders...who develop more leaders.

APPLICATION
Who am I developing? What kid of leaders am I developing? Do they know they are being developed into leaders who will lead and develop more leaders? That's my mission.

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for calling me out to lead. Help me as I attempt to call out new leaders and develop them into leader reproducing machines. For Your glory.

Jesus' will or My will?

SCRIPTURE
"...But they were insistent, with loud voices asking that He be crucified. And their voices began to prevail. And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand be granted. And he released the man they were asking for who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, but he delivered Jesus to their will." (Luke 23:23-25)

OBSERVATION
Just like the people calling for Jesus’ crucifixion, I too can be insistent on getting my way. And like them, if I am not careful, my voice can prevail and my demand granted.
I am not much different, at times, from the very ones that were behind the Galgotha scene. And here is the phrase that struck my heart: "and he [Pilate] delivered Jesus to their will."
Jesus, when "delivered to my will," can be molded and fashioned to my desire. He can be shaped to fit my wishes and bent to match my purposes. How often I think I have wanted Jesus "delivered to my will." Shane Claiborne says his prayer life has shifted from "I'm trying to convince God to do something for me...to...In my prayers, now, I'm trying to convince myself to do what God wants."

APPLICATION
Today I am brought to my knees for the many times I have joined in with the crowd demanding that Jesus be delivered to my will. I must be aware of any tendency in me to slip, either intentionally or inadvertently, into having Jesus "delivered into my will." I must subject my will to His, not His to mine! It will require me to think more deeply and to be wise about my plans.
I cannot be waffling or wavering. I'm going God's way, submitting my will to His, and choosing to be wholly His. I must think and rethink His will for me, my family, and for my ministry. I love what He has called me to do. But I can get distracted! So, I refuse to be captivated by culture or be manipulated by critics. I will not be motivated by praise or derailed be problems. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I choose to step aside from the crowd and stay focused on Your will for me rather than mine for You. Please forgive me for times past when I have tried to make my will and plans, Yours. I will run the race YOU have set before me, fixing my eyes on You and You alone!

Our Double-Life

SCRIPTURE
The man said, "Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?" Then Moses was afraid and thought, "What I did must have become known." Exodus 2:14

OBSERVATION
What an interesting story to include in the life of Moses. Coming upon a fight between an Egyptian man and a Hebrew man (who were enslaved by the Egyptians at this time...and, by the way, Moses was a Hebrew, raised by Egyptians). Moses tried to break up the fight and ended up killing the Egyptian man and buried his body in the sand. Before Moses killed him, the bible says "...Glancing this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand." It's interesting that Moses tried to live a double life. He had a secret life and a public life. That kind of internal schism might have come from the fact that he was a poor Hebrew man raised by an elite Egyptian family. The Hebrew side of his past was a secret.

APPLICATION
I guess we all struggle with the "secret double-life syndrome" that Moses experienced. We live with sin, anger, discontentment, lies and self-centeredness. But we put on a front with the public side of our life. We want to be liked, accepted, valued and loved. Yet we have this other side that we hide. It's ugly. And we deceive ourselves into thinking the two sides of our lives (our public side and our secret side) never connect. The idea that one side (our hidden side) will never influence or affect the other side (our public side) is a total lie. Jesus came to free us from our hidden side. In fact He purchased the ugliest parts of our hidden side on the cross. We're free. We just have to live like we're free.

PRAYER
Lord, Thank you for freeing me from my hidden side. Help me to live with authenticity in every area of my life, no matter who I am around.

Approaching God

SCRIPTURE
"But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple." (Psalm 5:7)

OBSERVATION
David reveals his heart's struggle with his enemies and writes of his dependence upon God's character. God is good, trustworthy, righteous, faithful - He is fair and dependable!

Too often, I approach God in a demanding way, barging into His presence with cares, needs, wants and desires, but I lack reverence. I approach God in the same way I go to the mall. An opportunity for me to pick and choose the stuff I want for me. It's as if God is to serve me at every call I make, to be ready to meet my needs whenever I need Him to. After all, I've been told that I have a PERSONAL relationship with God. It's not that He minds me barging into His presence like this, but when I feel like my kids want me for what I can give them rather than for who I am as their daddy, it bothers my heart. As an imperfect dad...I get a little irritated at that.

I don't want my relationship with God to be based on what He can do, or does, for me. I want God to know that I love Him for who He is! My God IS enough.

APPLICATION
I need to be reminded (through stories in the Bible) that God is God and it's a miracle (and a gift) that I get to approach. I don't want to take that for granted.

PRAYER
Father, I LOVE YOU...for WHO YOU ARE!!!

Eat with who?

SCRIPTURE
Luke 14:12 Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

OBSERVATION
Eating is habit we all have. Social eating (that is, eating with people) is typically how we eat our meals. We eat with family, friends, peers, business associates, neighbors and such. That's a good thing. I tend to organize many of my breakfast and lunch meals around meeting with people...and eating.
Jesus takes something we do anyway and presents another function that eating (socially) can accomplish: blessing people with no strings attached. Orient some of your meals around those who can not repay you, ever.

APPLICATION
I'm going to sign up to volunteer at Angels and Sparrows Soup Kitchen in Huntersville. I'm also going to continue to serve @ Urban Restoration. This past Thanksgiving, our church helped provide a sit down, candlelight meal for the close to 200 people who come each week for groceries. Most of them could never afford a meal like that. None of them had the means to repay. It was beautiful and we were all blessed.

PRAYER
God, thank you for blessing me with so much. I am rich. Thank you for giving me opportunities to bless others with what you've blessed me with: life and love.

Jacob & Esau

SCRIPTURE
"No, please!" said Jacob. "If I have found favor in your eyes, accept this gift from me. For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably." (Genesis 33:10)

OBSERVATION
The meeting between brothers at odds, finally happened. How tense the anticipation!! Esau, the brother who was slighted by his mom and brother, after years and years of tension (to say the least) with Jacob, finally met face to face with him.

Boy, did Jacob come with a boat-load of gifts for Esau, as if to distract or divert Esau's offense towards him. But this meeting would be a favorable reception for both Jacob...and Esau!

Favorable receptions are so fulfilling!! Beyond words, in a life of tension, sin, mishaps, evil deeds, words....God is a reconciler. He is a healer of broken relationships. His will is for us to experience healing in our relationships, especially when there is division, tension and odds against one another. God is all about unity, even in the midst of diversity.

APPLICATION
Today, I don't have any relationships close to the one Esau and Jacob had. As an application, I should ask myself: Am I finding favor in the eyes of those I have had "tough encounters" with? Am I received favorably by those I've had tensions with? My integrity is all I've got and it's so important to me, because I know it impacts those who are observing my life and my words to see if they match. I am grateful to God for the people in my life who give me favorable receptions. The people who appreciate me...for me. I want to be that kind of person, too.

PRAYER
Lord,
Thanks for Your power, grace and love to develop a healthy relationship with YOU!! Now, help me to cultivate healthy relationships with those closest to me, and those around me.

Thanks for receiving me favorably!

Jesus was difficult...but clear

SCRIPTURE
"Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?" (Luke 9:23-25)

OBSERVATION
As I read through Scripture, I'm struck with the ways in which Jesus had a way with words. His words had such clarity to them. People who heard what Jesus would say might not have totally understood everything Jesus said (not even His disciples always understood)...but that might be because Jesus knew that His audience was not just the people who were present when He spoke. His audience is also you and I. Jesus is still saying to the "crowds" "If any of you wants to follow me...."
God is on the move. Jesus did not say "If anyone wants to receive me." He said "Follow Me." And Jesus was also clear about the fact that following Him was a life and death deal. Death to myself (my selfishness, insecurities, fears, control, greed, pride, anxiety) so that Jesus could bring new life to me. The life that's found only when I surrender my life to Jesus. That's pretty hard...but very clear.

APPLICATION
I can pretend that I am in that "crowd" hearing Jesus look around and clearly describe what it takes to follow Him. I hear the invitation to be His disciple and I can't get my hand up fast enough. "I want to follow You, Jesus! I'm willing to pay whatever price. Whatever it takes." So as a Jesus follower, I will get up tomorrow morning and, once again, die to my "selfish ways" and allow Jesus to live in and through me.

PRAYER
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the invitation to follow You. I think of my friends and neighbors who only know of You from a distance. They are so confused about who You really are. I pray that You would choose to use me and my family (as we die to ourselves and folow You) to help them to see the real You. Please grant us influence in their lives, and help us to represent You well. Thank You for the amazing opportunities You give me. I love honor and worship You.
In Jesus name, Amen

Hospitality: Learning a lesson from Abraham

SCRIPTURE
Genesis 18
1 The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. 2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 3 He said, "If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. 4 Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. 5 Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant." "Very well," they answered, "do as you say."
6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. "Quick," he said, "get three seahs [b] of fine flour and knead it and bake some bread."
7 Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.

OBSERVATION
I couldn't just pick one of these verses. This whole scene in interesting to me. Abraham is like 90+ and we pick up the story where The Lord comes to visit Abraham as three strangers. You'll notice all the action words used to describe Abraham's response to his new guests.
Abraham:
looked & saw,
hurried from where he was,
went to meet them,
bowed down in respect,
gets them water, food and makes a way for them to clean themselves.
hurried
prepared
I am struck by the way Abraham showed hospitality to these strangers. He noticed them. He moved toward them. He made room in his life for strangers. He provided for them. He was thoughtful to think of their needs.

APPLICATION
A year ago, I would have not characterized my life (and our family) as having the gift of hospitality. We were inspired and blessed by those who obviously exercised their gift of hospitality, but we never thought we could actually do/be that. It's too difficult. It costs too much. Too much work to prepare to have people in your house. It makes us too anxious. We never felt like we could relax AND have people coming over to our house. Plus, who would want to come hang out with our family? We had young kids. We'd rather go over to someone's house who loved being hospitable. Look what God can do. We now host strangers in our house on a weekly basis. Most of these people were strangers to begin with and now have morphed into close friends. Our family made a conscience decision (not an easy decision) to open our home to our neighbors on Monday nights. We were primarily hoping for people who would not consider themselves Jesus followers of church attenders. Over the last 6 months of doing this, we have gotten a lot more comfortable with the exercise of living a life of hospitality. It's become a beautiful part of our family life. One application I have from this is that I want to communicate in our staff blog about lessons learned from practicing the ministry of hospitality. It's really a lost art that I want us to recover.

PRAYER
Father, without Your hospitality, I would not have been offered the invitation and the gift of being a part of Your family. Thank you for noticing me and including me not only as Your friend, but as Your adopted son.
Because of Jesus, Amen.

Do I stand out in God's Eyes

SCRIPTURE
"But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. 9 This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God." (Genesis 3:8)

OBSERVATION
What was it about Noah that turned God's eyes and heart towards him? Just a few short chapters into the beginning of the story, God is already grieved, saddened and tore up by the fact that His very own creation had turned their hearts and lives away from love, devotion and obedience to Him. But here's Noah, the standout in a world of evil.

What would make God turn His eyes and heart toward me? Do I standout in God's eyes?

APPLICATION
I want to stand out in God's eyes. Yet does my life, convictions, display of attitudes, heart and thoughts turn God's head to favor me? Does He do a double take because I stick out in the crowd?

Today, I want to stick out to my God! It will take living a life of integrity - from my heart, motives, thoughts...this is where my battle is. Walking with God in a way that makes me standout would be keeping my heart, thoughts and attitudes clear and pure from worldly sin-natured thinking.

I also want to be the best husband and father in the world. Maybe that's where I start to stand out in God's eyes.

PRAYER
Thanks so much, God, for favoring me this morning to sense Your pleasure and Your presence as I read through Your Word. Help me to live holy and blameless around my family and others. I want to walk with You every step of this day! I want to follow You in such a way that it leaves a clear path for my family to follow in. The path that leads to You.

In the beginning...My Heart

SCRIPTURE
"Who told you that you were naked?" the Lord God asked. "Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?" (Genesis 3:11)

"You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master." (Genesis 4:7)

OBSERVATION
The fall of man: Adam and Eve were tempted by the serpent. They decided to disobey God their Lord and Creator. I wonder what the world would have been like if they had never disobeyed (sinned)? Would it have been completely different than we know it today or would it be somewhat recognizable to us today...but without sin and the dark side of life? It's hard to imagine, and impossible to know, but it seems like it would have been more like heaven on earth. God gave us the ability to choose to follow Him willingly or to go our own way willingly...as a result we seem to be destined to live in a world sandwiched between evil's dark ways and the light and glory of our Heavenly Father.

In chapter 4 we learn that Cain's gift to the Lord was passed over for Abel's, infuriating Cain and leading him to murder his brother Abel. Why was one gift rejected for the other? I have to believe that it's not literally the gift (fruits and vegetables vs. livestock) but more the attitude with which it was given. It's all about the heart behind the gift.

We'll all be accepted and rejected to some extent. The important thing will be how we deal with it. This is so true when it comes to planting a church. If Cain had accepted the Lord's choice with dignity and grace, he would have flourished and excelled, but instead he allowed sin to turn him to hatred and bitterness and he lost all that was most important to him. In verse 7 the Lord warns about the danger of letting sin control us and the blessing of living right.

APPLICATION
I need to be gracious in acceptance and rejection. It's the attitude of my heart that will be judged, not the works of my hands. Sin is powerful and strikes at the most opportune times, so we have to always be on guard and watchful because the enemy wants to control and destroy us. This is about a heart check. My heart.

PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father,
Grant me the strength and courage to live a life acceptable and pleasing to You. Please help me to do what is right in Your eyes. May I be gracious in all my dealings and extend grace when I've been wronged. My heart hurts when I feel like I've been rejected. Help my heart to grow and stay tender and in tune with your heart...in the midst of feeling rejected by people.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Make Room for the Impossible

SCRIPTURE
"The angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time." (Luke 1:19-20)

OBSERVATION
His name was Zacharias. He honored the Law of God. He loved God and he worked as a priest in the temple. One day as he was performing his duties, he found himself being chosen to light incense before the Lord, inside the temple. This man of God walked in, and was amazed to see an angel waiting for him, an angel sent by God.

Fear struck the deepest chords of his heart. As he regained his breath, and maybe as some of the blood began to return to his face, the angel told him the good news. He was going to have a baby!

I think that the angel Gabriel might have been expecting joy and excitement...maybe even a "thank God," but he received no such response. Zacharias doubted his words, and asked for a sign. Doubt had struck, and left no room for the miraculous. Therefore the angel made Zacharias mute (he could not talk) until the baby was born.

APPLICATION
Doubt can strike us all! Sometimes I can find myself in the same shoes as Zacharias. I place God in a box. My mind tells me what God can and cannot do, and I forget to leave room for the miraculous. I forget that God is good. I forget the promises, and the provisions that are set apart for those who follow Jesus. I must remember that the Bible says, "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him, "Hebrews 11:16.

This year, I want to be a person who makes room from the miraculous!

PRAYER
Father,
Forgive me for crowding out the possibility that You might be doing a miracle, even now. I guess my faith starts with these two words..."I believe!" Help my unbelief when it strikes. In Jesus Name, Amen.